Yes, winter is already coming to an end, and it’s time to give my final review of the 2024 Polaris Patriot Boost INDY VR1. I had such an amazing season behind the handlebars of this incredible machine! The main strengths of this trail snowmobile are its comfort, great agility, outstanding handling and efficient suspension, not to mention the essential RIDE COMMAND navigation system and the impressive performance of its engine. But beware! Like every snowmobile on the market, this little rocket does come with a few flaws. I’ll highlight them shortly, but first, let’s dive into the positives I mentioned above.
Agility, Comfort and Handling Thanks to the Matryx Platform
What enhances all three of these qualities is the Matryx platform design, which focuses on rider comfort. I can adopt any riding posture I want thanks to the narrow cockpit. For sportier riding, I can move closer to the handlebars, for example. Then, I can easily shift back to a more relaxed and comfortable position for normal cruising. My knees are neither too high nor too low compared to my hips. All of this greatly contributes to the maneuverability and agility I look for in a snowmobile. I couldn’t ask for more!
Walker Evans Racing (WER) Suspension
Another big plus of the 2024 Patriot Boost INDY VR1 is its Walker Evans Racing (WER) shocks. They exceeded my expectations. What I especially like is that I can adjust them independently based on my preferences. I can control the compression and rebound of each shock individually. This allows me to dial in the comfort I want according to the trail conditions I encounter.
RIDE COMMAND: An Essential Navigation System From Polaris
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Polaris’s RIDE COMMAND navigation system is essential. It serves as an onboard computer for the 2024 INDY VR1, as well as many other snowmobiles from the American manufacturer. It includes must-have features I couldn’t go without anymore.
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your smartphone in a snap. The 7-inch touchscreen works even with gloves on, which is super convenient. You can even customize the display by placing instruments—like fuel or temperature gauges—exactly where you want them. Also, the hand and thumb warmer controls can be adjusted independently.
The 2024 INDY VR1 also includes a geolocation function for multiple riders once added to your route. That way, your loved ones can track your movements with the free mobile app using their smartphone. It gives me peace of mind when I ride alone.
There’s also a diagnostic tab for the machine. You’ll find vehicle maintenance alerts there (e.g., change the chain case oil), as well as fuel type selection (ethanol or ethanol-free).
The only downside, in my opinion, is the route creation process. When it comes time to plan a route, I found it quite tricky. Clicking your destination and start point doesn’t snap the route to the trails—it maps in a straight line. You have to manually adjust the route by touching the line between the two points.
One last feature worth mentioning is the ability to update RIDE COMMAND using a USB stick. Handy if you don’t have an internet connection in your garage.
Outstanding Performance from the Patriot Boost Engine
I saved this one for last because while it’s a highlight, it could also be seen as a drawback. Let me explain. Despite the 180 hp from the Patriot Boost giving me a massive adrenaline rush when I hit the throttle, I need to address the question I raised in a previous article. The high performance is definitely a positive, but is the turbo truly necessary?
To give an informed answer, I considered the following points:
- The naturally aspirated Patriot 850 engine already delivers 165 hp, compared to the Patriot Boost’s 180 hp.
- The Patriot Boost engine needs oil to operate. That oil is drawn from the same tank used to run the machine. This results in an overall oil consumption of 1 litre per 150 km.
- I noticed a slight turbo lag during acceleration.
- Fuel consumption (premium) hovers around 20 litres/100 km. It’s worth noting that a non-turbo engine would likely consume about the same… but with cheaper gas.
- The purchase price of the turbocharged Patriot Boost engine is higher than the naturally aspirated Patriot 850.
*These data points are based on spirited riding, by the way. More conservative riding would obviously yield different results.
So, Is the Turbo Necessary?
Considering all of this, I have to say no. I don’t think the turbo is necessary. The minimal 15 hp difference doesn’t justify, in my opinion, the extra costs it brings.
It’s worth noting that Polaris does offer another equally powerful non-turbo engine—the 9R. Unfortunately, it’s not available with the INDY VR1. I can only hope the manufacturer will offer this option on the model in the future.
Spark Plug Replacement
When it comes to spark plugs, I was pleasantly surprised. A lot of people jokingly say you need crates of spark plugs to ride a Polaris. As for me, I proactively installed two new ones shortly after the season began. The ones that had been in there for around 1,000 km were still good. The secret probably lies in how you warm up the machine in the morning. Personally, I don’t let it idle for too long.
General Maintenance
As for general upkeep, I wouldn’t say it broke the bank. I changed the chain case oil once and adjusted the track tension, which had become a bit loose. I also used compressed air to clean out the clutch system. No belt, slider, or carbide runner replacements were needed.
Poor mirror placement
I’ll end with this final negative point. Although visibility through the mirrors is excellent, I think their placement is poor. To see if someone is behind you, you have to take your eyes off the trail too long and look under your arm. I’d recommend installing handguards with built-in mirrors instead.
Conclusion
All in all, the Patriot Boost INDY VR1 impressed me on most fronts. Despite a few downsides, I had a blast behind its handlebars. Its comfort, riding position, handling, agility, suspension, navigation system, and sheer power make it a snowmobile I’d gladly ride year after year. That said, I’d go with a non-turbo engine and reposition the mirrors.
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